Ctrl+Alt+Korea

So, you're living in Korea—or planning to. You've probably heard it's one of the safest countries in the world. And it’s true. People leave phones, laptops, and even wallets on café tables while stepping away. Nothing gets touched. But there’s one strange exception: bicycles. Yes, in this ultra-safe country, bikes disappear every day. As a Korean, I honestly feel ashamed about this one blind spot in our safety culture.  Sometimes they’re taken in seconds, right outside a busy subway station. Other times, they vanish overnight from apartment complexes. If you're thinking, “That won’t happen to me,” think again. This post is your friendly but honest guide to bike theft prevention (자전거 도난 방지) —how to protect your bike, where to park it, what locks actually work, and what to do if it’s stolen. Let’s get into it. Why Bike Theft Happens in "Safe" Korea Korea has one of the lowest crime rates in the wo...

Learning in Korea doesn’t have to cost you a single won. Living in Korea can be expensive—especially when you're trying to build your career or pick up new skills. Private academies can cost hundreds of dollars per course. And while global platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer useful content, Korea’s government-backed courses are locally certified and often tied directly to domestic job market needs—giving you a unique edge. But here’s the good news: If you have intermediate Korean proficiency (TOPIK Level 3–4 recommended), you can access high-quality, government-supported online learning platforms—for free. Yes, you read that right. South Korea offers a range of 무료 온라인 교육 (free online courses) designed to help people upskill, reskill, and stay relevant in a fast-changing world. Whether you're into coding, business, digital literacy, or just want to understan...

If you’re expecting a baby while living in Korea, congratulations! You’ve chosen one of the safest and most supportive countries in the world to give birth. However, if you’re coming from a country with either extremely low or extremely high medical costs, trying to figure out the actual Korean childbirth cost (한국 출산 비용) can feel like reading a complex math problem written in Hangul. Rumors abound. Is it truly that cheap? Do foreigners get the same government handouts as Koreans? The simple truth is that the total cost for you will depend entirely on two factors: your National Health Insurance (NHI) status and your lifestyle choices (especially the hospital room and the famed Sanhu Joriwon ). This guide is designed specifically for foreign residents. We will cut through the misinformation and break down the entire financial journey—from utilizing the generous Gungmin Haengbok Card to navigating the huge price difference between a stand...

Moved to Korea and wondering where you can go for a good run? You’re not alone. A lot of us arrive here excited to stay active, only to find ourselves Googling, “Where can I run in Seoul without getting hit by a scooter?” The good news? Korea is secretly one of the best countries for running — if you know where to go. Wide riverside paths, quiet forest loops, and even scenic routes through the middle of the city... they’re all here. You just need a little help finding them. This guide shares 7 of the most foreigner-friendly Seoul running courses (서울 러닝코스), including spots in both Seoul and Gyeonggi. They’re safe, beautiful, and super easy to get to by subway. So whether you’re just getting back into running or training for your next half-marathon — there’s a route here with your name on it. Let’s dive in. Why Running in Korea is a Great Idea for Expats Running in Korea isn’t just a way to stay fit — it’s a refreshing, stress-free wa...

Job hunting in a foreign country brings a mix of hope, confusion, and lots of late-night scrolling. In Korea, the process can feel even trickier. Language barriers, cultural norms, and visa policies all play a role in making things complicated for foreign job seekers. As someone who's navigated job markets overseas myself, I know how frustrating and disorienting it can be to start from scratch in a new country. The first step? Knowing where to look. This guide introduces seven job platforms that actually work for foreigners—plus practical tips to help you approach the search with more clarity and confidence. Why Finding a Job in Korea as a Foreigner Can Be Tough Even qualified foreigners often hit roadblocks when entering the Korean job market. Some of the key challenges include: Language barrier: Many job posts—even for English-speaking roles—are written only in Korean. ...

If you're a foreign resident in Korea, sending a package home isn't as easy as it used to be. New restrictions, service suspensions, and surprise customs issues in 2025 have made 국제소포 (international shipping from Korea) a logistical headache for many. This isn't a beginner’s guide—this is a survival kit. In this post, you'll learn: Why EMS is no longer an option for many destinations What alternatives actually work in 2025 How to avoid customs disasters and shipping delays And what most expats get wrong when sending packages abroad Let’s fix your shipping problems—starting with what changed in 2025. Why Shipping Packages from Korea Got Complicated in 2025 Until recently, sending a 국제소포 from Korea was pretty straightforward. You’d go to the post office, fill out a customs form, and select EMS. Delivery was fast, affordable, and...